Quick change conveyor roll sleeve assembly and method

ABSTRACT

A quick change conveyor roll assembly for metal or glass processing comprising an inner roll shaft having a rigid and elongated cylindrical surface supported and rotationally driven by an associate rotor mean. At least one removable spool having a cylindrical body with a first diameter, a hollow interior therethrough and a collar rigidly adapted at a first end, the collar having a second diameter whereby the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. At least one removable and replaceable insulated roll sleeve being slidably mounted over at least a portion of said removable spool and abutting said collar, the insulated roll sleeve including at least one layer of an insulation material and a securing means operably adjustable to hold said roll sleeve about said removable spool at a second end in a predetermined location on said inner roll shaft.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a device and method of providing aquick change roll sleeve. It finds particular application in conjunctionwith conveyors in various high temperature applications such asgalvanizing baths as well as steel and glass processing applications,and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it isto be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiment is also amenableto other like applications.

Rolls are used as conveyors in various high temperature applications,such as galvanizing baths as well as steel and glass processing. In suchenvironments, the surface of such rolls are corroded and degraded by theharsh conditions in which they operate. Thus, the surfaces of such rollsneed to undergo maintenance or be replaced on a regular basis, which canlead to down time and reduced productivity.

Rolls such as those employed as roller conveyors for use in hightemperature glass processing applications can be made from an innermetal or ceramic shaft that has an outer high temperature insulationcover. In manufacturing the roll, the insulating cover can be suppliedas annular discs, or “washers”, which are assembled on the shaft andpressed together, as discussed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,495(the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference). Thesediscs are pressed together between end walls by a compressive force.Because the binding agent used in the insulating cover tends to bedestroyed at high temperature, it is important to maintain the discsunder the axial pressure between the end walls.

A conveyor roll can also be made by sliding a plurality of compressedhigh temperature millboard annular discs onto a shaft, i.e., annulardiscs of an organic and inorganic binder materials reinforced with fibermaterials. These millboard discs can be compressed axially on the shaft.The surface of the roll can be heated to produce a non-marking abrasionresistant covering on the roll on which the glass is conveyed.

Likewise, sink rolls and stabilizer rolls used in molten zinc andzinc/aluminum galvanizing baths must be replaced or serviced often dueto dross buildup, oxidation and corrosion of the roll surface.

There is a need in the industry for an improved method of servicing suchrolls without the need to return the entire roll to the manufacturer orservice agent and incur the corresponding extended downtime entailed bythis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, there is provided a glass conveyor roll sleeveassembly including a steel or ceramic roll shaft, a removable spool, anda removable and replaceable insulated roll sleeve. More particularly,the conveyor roll assembly comprises an inner roll shaft having anelongated cylindrical surface. At least one spool having a cylindricalbody including a first diameter and a cylindrical interior passage isprovided, the interior passage is sized to fit over the inner rollshaft. The spool further includes a collar at a first end. The collarengages at least one removable and replaceable insulated roll sleeveslidably mounted over at least a portion of the spool. The insulatedroll sleeve includes at least one layer of an insulation material. Areleasable securing means is provided at a second end retaining thespool on the inner roll shaft.

In a second embodiment, there is provided a roll assembly for use inmetal processing including a roll shaft, a removable spool, and aremovable metal alloy roll sleeve.

Other aspects of the invention are directed to the methods of making theabove roll assemblies and the insulated roll sleeve. Still furtherinvention aspects are directed to novel roll coverings for use in theabove roll assemblies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a roll assembly including the roll body, aremovable spool and roll sleeve on the removable spool;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a roll shaft;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a removable spool;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a quick change conveyorassembly;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a removable spool;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a removable spool;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a inner roll shaft;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an inner roll shaft;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a locking nut;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a locking nut;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a locking nut;

FIG. 12 is a top view of a retaining ring;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a retaining ring;

FIG. 14 is a top view of a retaining ring;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a retaining ring

FIG. 16 is a top view of a spacer tube;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a spacer tube

FIG. 18 is is a top view of a centering collar;

FIG. 19 is a side view of a centering collar;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a centering collar

FIG. 21 is a side view of one embodiment of a quick change conveyor rollassembly;

FIG. 22 is an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of a quickchange conveyor roll assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present embodiments are directed to the use of removable tubes orsleeves on rolls used in harsh environments that can be slipped over aroll body or inner shaft. Depending on the application, these sleevescan be made from a variety of materials as suited. These sleeves assistin ease of roller maintenance, as fresh sleeves can be readily slippedonto the roll body during equipment down time after removal of the spentinsulated roll sleeve instead of servicing the entire roll assembly.

Therefore, with reference to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, there isprovided a roll assembly including a roll shaft or body 10, a removablespool 12 including a collar 14 slidably mounted over the roll shaft, anda roll sleeve 16 mounted on the spool 12. A locking nut 18 threaded ontothreads 26 on the roll shaft 10 or other securing component may be usedto hold the spool 12 and roll sleeve 16 covering the spool in place onthe roll shaft 10. The roll shaft 10 may have a larger diameter rollbody end 28, against which the spool abuts. The roll shaft may besupported and rotationally driven by a rotation mechanism or otherconventional means.

A keyway 20 may be provided with a key that extends from the roll shaft10 through the spool 12 and roll sleeve 16 to grip and keep the spool 12and roll sleeve 16 aligned with the roll shaft 10 while it rotates. Whendeployed, one end of the roll sleeve 16 will abut against the collar 14of the spool 12 while the other end may have a locking collar 22 thatsnaps into a recess 40 (see in FIG. 3) on the spool via at least onesnap ring 24 or other means.

The dimensions for the above components will vary based on theapplication for which the roll assembly is used. However, in oneembodiment, the length of the roll sleeve A, may be about 14.25 inches.The inner diameter B of the spool may be 2.5 inches, while the outerdiameter C may be 3.0 inches, giving a thickness of 0.25 inches for thespool. The roll body end of the roll shaft may have a diameter of 3.0inches.

With reference now to FIG. 2, the roll shaft may have a central area 30of reduced diameter between two distal portions 32 and 34. A chamferregion 36 located on a leading edge of the distal portions. When thespool 12 is placed over the roll shaft 10, this creates a relief area 38between the spool and the central area 30.

With reference now to FIG. 3, shown is the removable spool 12 includingcollar portions 14 and keyway 20. Also seen is a recess 40, as discussedabove, providing a point of attachment for a locking collar and snaprings 24 or other attachment means on the roll sleeve.

With reference now to FIG. 4, an exploded view of one embodiment of theassembled spool is depicted. As shown, stainless steel core shaft 42supports dense fused silica roll body 43, stainless steel press sleeve44 and stainless steel spool 46. Roll covering 48 is disposed onstainless steel spool 46 and retained by locking collar 50, which itselfis retained by snap rings 52. The combination of pressure plate 54,springs 56, locking collar 58 and snap rings 60 operate to providepressure retention on the stainless steel spool 46. Finally, bearingsleeve 62 provides a bearing surface about the shaft 42 during rotationof the roller body. The roll covering 48 is shown with an optionalraised portion 49, however this embodiment does not limit thisdisclosure to cover other geometric orientations of the roll covering 48or roll sleeve 16.

With reference to FIG. 5, the removable spool 46 preferably comprises amachined steel or stainless steel tube 64 with a solid end ring 66 orcollar on a first end and a removable locking ring with a snap lockrecess 68 and snap rings (or some other securing device) on the otherend, and covered with a high temperature insulation material between therings.

FIG. 6 additionally indicates a chamfered or angled inner edge 70, 72 atboth the first end adjacent the end ring 66 and at a second end oppositethe first end. The angled inner edges 70, 72 enable stable retention ofthe spool by interaction with adjacent elements axially aligned with thespool 46 about the shaft 42.

The roll shaft 42 typically comprises a steel or stainless steel alloysolid shaft with or without a ceramic I.D.×O.D. tube designed to spanthe width of the glass, steel or zinc plated ribbon while supporting theroll sleeve. The roll shaft 42 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 depict anelongated cylindrical body 74 that comprises at least a portion of aretaining end with various sections 76, 78, 80 comprising at least aportion of a receiving end located along the body each having differentdiameters and being concentrically and axially aligned with the other.Threads 26 and recess 75 are also shown and may be located along theelongated body.

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 depict one embodiment of the securing means. Thelocking nut 18 is cooperative with the threads 26 about the shaft and isoperably adjustable to hold the removable spool 12 in a predeterminedlocation about the roll shaft 10. In this embodiment, the locking nut 18is provided with a plurality of slots 82 equally spaced about the topportion of the locking nut 18. The locking nut is provided with athreaded inner surface 84 to operably interact with the threaded 26section of the shaft 10. The locking nut 18 is provided with anadjustment member 86 for manual tightening/loosening of the assembly.The adjustment member 86 aligns transversely with the threads 26 of theshaft 10. Also provided is a chamfered or angled top edge 88.

FIGS. 12 through 15 depict a retaining ring 90 which can be optionallyprovided as part of a preferred embodiment of the assembly. Theretaining ring 90 has a washer type construction is substantially flatand cylindrical with a hollow interior with a concentric diameter havinga measurement relative to the predetermined section of the shaft 10.Holes 92 are optionally provided at equally spaced intervals about theretaining ring 90 and are in transverse alignment with the longitudinalaxis of the shaft 10. A chamfered or angled portion 94 is located aboutat least one side of the inner surface of the retaining ring 90. Thechamfered portion 94 is concentrically aligned about the retaining ring90 and allows other elements to engage the ring and maintain a firm andcompressed axial alignment about the shaft while in operation.Specifically, the retaining ring 90 abuts to a snap ring provided aboutthe recess 40 of the spool 12 to allow for a compressed fit between thespool 12 and roll sleeve 16 during operation.

FIGS. 16 and 17 depict a spacer tube 96 that engages both the lockingnut 18 and the spool 12 in the preferred embodiment. The spacer tube iscylindrical with a generally washer type structure with a chamfered orangled edge 98 about the exterior portion of the spacer tube 96 tooperatively engage the chamfered or angled inner edge 72 of the spool 12while axially aligned about the shaft 10.

FIGS. 18 through 20 show the a centering collar 100 which may be used inplace of the larger diameter roll body end 28 to engage the spool 12thereby maintaining the location of the spool about a predetermined areaabout the shaft 10. This embodiment has a groove edge 102 opposite thechamfered or angled edge 104 that engages the spool. The grooved edge102 is formed to engage a snap ring that is provided relative to therecess 75 about the shaft 10.

Shown in FIG. 21, a preferred embodiment indicating the relativelocations of each element about the shaft 42 in a retained position. Thecentering collar 100 is located about the shaft 42 at a predeterminedlocation relative to the snap rings 106 and recess 75. The spool 12 androll sleeve 16 abut the centering collar 100. The retaining ring 90 actsto lock the roll sleeve 16 onto the spool 12 with snap rings 24 andrecess 40. The spacer tube abuts both the spool 12 and the locking ring18.

With reference to FIGS. 22, the roll sleeve assembly in a preferredembodiment is shown in an exploded diagram. Here, snap rings 24, 106 areprovided for the stability of other elements about the removable spool12 and core shaft 42 respectfully. Snap rings 106 are shaped to adapt torecess 75 about the core shaft 42 and axially abuts centering collar100. The collar 14 of the removable spool 12 axially abuts centeringcollar 100 which is aligned within the angled inner edge 70 of thespool. Roll sleeve 16 is placed about the spool 12 and abuts the collar14 on a side opposite the centering collar 100. Retaining ring 90 isplaced about the spool 12 and axially abuts the roll sleeve 16 at apredetermined distance relative to the location of the recess 40 on thespool 12.

Snap rings 24 are shaped to adapt to recess 40 and axially abutretaining ring 90 at the chamfered or angled portion 94. Spacer tube 96fits about the core shaft 42 over the threads 26 and axially abuts thespool 12. The chamfered or angled edge 98 of the spacer tube 96 adaptsto the angled inner edge 72 of the spool to axially align the spool 12about the shaft and provide mechanical spacing between the locking nut18 and the spool 12. The locking nut 18 is threaded onto threads 26 andcompresses the spacer tube 96 and spool 12 to the centering collar 100position on the shaft 42 stabilized by snap rings 106. It is noted thatthis construction allows the roll sleeve 16 to be removed and replaceabout the assembly without having to loosen the locking nut 18 andremove the spacer tube 96 or spool 12.

The composition of the roll sleeve 16 or roll cover 48 will vary greatlybased on the final application for which the roll assembly is designed.The design and composition of the roll sleeve will be discussed forseveral applications. However, it should be noted that the conceptdescribed herein can be applied to other applications as well.

Thus, with regard to a conveyor roll assembly for use in glassprocessing, such rolls for transferring the hot glass ribbon aredisposed between the outlet of the glass melting furnace and the coldend of the process where the glass is cut and packaged. These rolls arebrought into contact with the lower surface of the glass ribbon and areused to support and transfer the hot glass. For such conveyor rolls, theroll sleeve 16 or roll covering 48 will typically be an insulated rollsleeve comprising an insulating layer of a highly compressed fiberboard,millboard or precast ceramic cylinders made from similar fibrousmaterials. The fiber is preferably an alumina fiber board or millboardmaterial.

The roll sleeve 16 generally comprises a refractory covering or similartype surface. It is often advantageous that the fiber be binder-free.Compressed, binder-containing fiber may be useful, and will be discussedfurther on hereinbelow. By “at least substantially ceramic fiber” it ismeant that the fiber will be a major amount, i.e., greater than 50weight percent, of ceramic fiber. The minor amount, i.e., under 50weight percent, balance can be other synthetic or natural mineral fiber,e.g., glass fiber or mineral wool, including mineral wool withadditives. Advantageously, for best roller performance withoutdegradation under high heat application, the fiber will be at leastabout 80 weight percent ceramic fiber and preferably for best overallperformance characteristics, will be all ceramic fiber.

Although it is contemplated that such ceramic fiber may not be asilica-containing fiber, as represented by alumina fiber or fiber ofboron compound material, e.g., fibers of boron oxide, boron carbide andboron nitride, it is preferred for economy that the ceramic fiber be asilica-containing fiber. The silica-containing fiber may simply besilica fiber, although usually the silica is present with one or more ofalumina, zirconia, chromia, or titania. Such silica-containing fibersare also meant to include fibers from silicon nitride, silicon carbide,calcium-aluminum silicate and the like. Advantageous fibers which havedesirable inertness, i.e., non-reactivity with the working environmentas well as with articles being conveyed over the roller, combined with adesirable insulating property can be prepared from silica and alumina.improved high-temperature properties for ceramic fiber can be achievedwhen the silica and alumina are combined with zirconia or titania.

Typically, with commercially available fibers prepared from silica andalumina, the alumina content can vary in an amount of from about 45 toabout 80 weight percent alumina with an about 20 to 55 weight percentbalance of silica. Where additional substituents are utilized, e. g.,zirconia, the constituent ranges can be further varied. Thus wherezirconia may be present, it might contribute as little as about 3 weightpercent. There can then be present, as taught in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,558,015 and 4,555,492, silica in an amount from about 45 up to 75weight percent or more, and alumina in an amount of as little as about10 weight percent, up to nearly 40 weight percent. Moreover, the amountof zirconia in some formulations may exceed 20 weight percent. It willbe understood that the fiber may be prepared by any process useful forpreparing ceramic fiber. Commercially, such processes include thosewhich fiberize a molten stream, e.g., blowing of a molten stream tofiberize the molten material, or causing the molten stream to impactrapidly spinning wheels which fiberizes the melt.

As the fibers are produced, it will be typical that they will beinitially accumulated together into a mat form. Such may be accomplishedas by collecting random fibers on a continuous chain-mesh beltapparatus. The accumulated fibers that typically are collected on themesh belt apparatus can then be needled or stitched together. Forpurposes of the present invention, these fibers in mat form, or whenconsolidated as by needling into blankets, can also be compressed, withor without the application of heat. Typically in accumulated form, theinitial mats will have a density on the order of from about 2 to about 4pounds per cubic foot, and after consolidating the fiber, theaccumulated fibers as blankets will have a density on the order of fromabout 4 to 10 pounds per cubic foot for ceramic fiber. Anyprecompression in accumulating the fibers, as by heating or rolling,will still typically provide a blanket having a density of not aboveabout 10 pounds per cubic foot.

The mats or blankets, the fiber in which may also be generally referredto herein as “bulk” fiber, can be stamped or cut into disc shape.Bundles of these discs, especially when stamped from a thin blanket, maythen be precompressed into multiple-disc “sections” sometimes alsoreferred to herein as “donuts”. Typically, the initial blankets can havethickness from on the order of ¼ to ½ inch, up to as thick as 6 inches.For the thinner ceramic fiber blankets which are usually ¼ inch up toabout 1 inch thick, discs can be compressed into typically 1 inch to 4inch thick sections. The thicker blanket discs may not be precompressedinto sections. Upon compression into sections, which compression can bein an amount, as more particularly discussed hereinbelow, from about 50percent to about 80 percent, the fiber may be compressed to a densitythat might vary, in broadest consideration and basis dry fiber, withinthe range of from about 16 to about 50 pounds per cubic foot.

For such commercial ceramic fiber prepared from silica and alumina, agreater than 20 pounds per cubic foot density, e.g., an about 22 to 40pound per cubic foot range of density, is highly advantageous for bestfiber insulating characteristic. It is to be understood that compressionmay be of wet or dry fiber, but unless otherwise specified, compressedfiber densities are to be understood to be for dry fiber.

For many applications it is most advantageous to utilize a bulk fibersince the individual fibers in the bulk fiber are of varying lengths.Such fibers of varying lengths enhance the ability of the fibers tointertwine and hold together under compression. For these applicationsusing fibers of varying lengths, it is further desirable that all fibershave a length of at least about 0.5 inch, with long fibers usuallyhaving length within the range of from about 8 inches up to a length ofabout 10 inches. Usually only a very few fibers will be longer thanabout 10 inches, as such fibers can be difficult to work with, whilefibers shorter than about 0.5 inch may be of insufficient length toeffectively intertwine for these fibers of varying lengths. Aparticularly preferred fiber mixture for fibers of varying lengths hassome individual short fibers at least about 2 to 4 inches long, inmixture with long fibers, i. e., longer than 4 inches and with lengthsup to about 8 to 10 inches, often with fibers of at least about 6 to 8inches in length.

It is however to be understood that in some applications it can beuseful to employ milled fiber or chopped fiber, or both. Chopped fiberi. e., bulk fiber which has been chopped, can have individual fibersgenerally from 0.25 inch to one inch in length. Milled fiber, typicallyfiber that has been chopped and subsequently ball-milled, can be ofextremely short, and more uniform length. Fiber lengths for milled fibercan be on the order of 10 to 30 microns. Although mixtures arecontemplated for milled fiber with other fibers, e. g., one or more ofchopped fibers or the above described fibers of varying lengths, it isto be understood that the milled fiber may be utilized by itself, suchas in a hardcoat formulation, as will be described in detailhereinafter. Also, since milled fiber is not as subject to fibercrushing as are individual longer length fibers, the utilization ofmilled fiber can be particularly serviceable at elevated compression.

It has not been industrial convention to substantially compress ceramicfiber owing to a concern for crushing the fiber. It has however now beenfound that discs of the fiber on a shaft can be highly axiallycompressed. Such compression for ceramic fiber should be in an amountfrom above about 50 percent up to most always about 80 percent, althoughslightly greater compression, i.e., 83 to 85 percent might be achieved.A compression of less than about 50 percent will not provide for adesirable dense fiber having the requisite resistance to compression atthe roll surface as required in the industry. On the other hand, mostalways a compression of greater than about 80 percent may lead to fibercrushing. Advantageously for desirable roll strength and resistance tosurface compression, the ceramic fiber will be compressed in an amountabove about 55 percent, or more often above about 60 percent andpreferably within a range of from about 65 to about 75 percent.

For some applications it may be desirable to use a binder in thecompressed fiber roll cover. Such may be a “fugitive binder”, that is, abinder that will be readily susceptible to volatilization from the coverduring drying of the cover or at elevated temperature use. Such fugitivebinder may readily penetrate into the compressed fiber roll. It may alsobe referred to herein as an “organic binder”, and representative suchbinders include starch, latex materials and cellulosic substituents,e.g. , an aqueous suspension of cellulose methyl ether. The word“binder” may also refer to a substance which will not readily penetrateinto the compressed fiber roll, such as by wicking, in appreciableamount. These binders, sometimes referred to herein as “inorganicbinders”, in general may be used with the fiber prior to or aftercompression. Representative inorganic binders include cements, calciumaluminate and clays. Thus, the inorganic binders are materials whichwill be present, at least as a residue in substantial amount, in thecompressed fiber roll cover during use of the roll cover.

A rigidizer may be used in an amount to provide from about 5 weightpercent up to about 70 weight percent or more, and preferably about 15to 60 weight percent, of rigidizer residue after drying of the roll, inthe total weight of the roll. After use, the resulting impregnated covershould be dried. Drying, as such term will generally be used herein, maybe accomplished at quite elevated temperature, e.g., 500° C., but alsosuch for economy will advantageously be at a more modest temperaturesuch as from about 300° C. down to about 100° C. or below. Afterapplication of rigidizer, drying is preferably at such more modesttemperature, e.g., about 200° C., for a time of up to about 24 hours,but more usually from about 8 hours to about 12 hours. Thereafter, thefiber cover may be further conditioned in a manner such as describedhereinbelow. For example, the cover can be heat treated at an elevatedtemperature of as much as up to about 2000° F. for an impregnatedceramic fiber, thereby vaporizing any fugitive solvent or liquid vehicleof a rigidizer or of a binder and leaving the residue in the compressedfiber roll cover.

The roll material is subsequently compressed and formed into the coverroll 16 of the present assembly. This can be done, as noted, bycompressing the fibers or fiber discs in a mold or through other meansto form a fiber cylinder of the predetermined size and shape.

Thus, in one method, fiber discs are assembled onto a metal or ceramicshaft. The shaft at its far end is equipped with an end plate. When asubstantial number of discs have been assembled in a loose pack on theshaft, a moveable compression end plate is moved against the discs,compressing them against the end plate. Pressure can then be brought onthe fiber discs by the end plates in any manner convenient forcompressing the fiber discs together. For example, threaded rods canconnect the end plates and an air wrench can be used to tighten bolts atthe end of the rods to gradually bring the end plates closer and closertogether. Or hydraulic cylinders can be used to press against endplates. After compression of a section of discs by such procedure, alocking ring can be used to replace the movable end plate and theprocedure can be repeated by sliding additional discs onto the shaftwith the subsequent reapplication of the movable end plate and thenapplying pressure. In this way, a roll of desired length can beassembled, and permanent end plates can be placed on the roll afterremoval from the shaft.

After such a roll has been assembled, the outer surface of the roll maybe rough. It can then be worked to provide a hardened, as well assmooth, outer roll fiber surface. For example, the outer surface of theceramic fiber can be smoothed by burnishing the fiber, usually aftermachining, or after machining plus grinding. This may be achieved byforcing a highly polished rotatable metal element forcefully against thefiber surface and then moving this burnishing tool back and forthagainst the fiber roll as the fiber roll is being rotated. Smoothing cannot only provide for a highly desirable smooth and uniform surface, butcan also serve to improve and harden the fiber cover at its outersurface. This outer surface working can also be utilized to provideindentations in the fiber cover, e.g., so as to provide a textured outerappearance that can serve to offer better gripping of the cover with theproduct moving across the roll cover. After any outer surface working,including machining or grinding, the fiber cover may then be furtherconditioned.

The fiber cover, will provide a dense, impact resistant and thermallystable surface. The roll can be fitted with a locking collar 22 orretaining ring 90, which allows it to attach to the spool.

In practice then, the changing of the surface of such a roll duringmaintenance simply entails removing the old insulated roll sleeve fromthe roll assembly and replacing it with a new insulated roll sleeve.

With regard to conveyor rolls used in galvanizing applications or steelprocessing, the cover roll may comprise a steel alloy or other materialsuited to the conditions. Thus, for roll assemblies used in suchapplications, a roll sleeve may be provided comprising a steel alloyhaving a composition found in one of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,004,507;6,168,757; 6,562,293; and 6,899,772, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Rolls made from suchalloys show good resistance and other properties in such applications.

It should be noted that these examples are exemplary in nature and in noway are meant to be exhaustive or restrictive of the scope of theinvention, but are for illustration of the concept of this invention.One skilled in the art will recognize the applicability of the inventiveconcept to a large number of different embodiments.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon reading and understanding the preceding, detaileddescription. It is intended that the invention be construed as includingall such modifications and alterations, insofar as they come within thescope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations willoccur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detaileddescription. It is intended that the exemplary embodiment be construedas including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they comewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

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 15. A method ofperforming a quick change of a conveyor roll assembly comprising:providing an inner shaft in association with a rotation mechanism, saidshaft including a first receiving end and a second retaining end;assembling a spool element including an inner metal or ceramic portionand an outer refractory surface, said outer refractory surface beingheld under compression on said spool, said spool element having acentral passage sized to accommodate said inner shaft; providing a meansfor retaining said spool on said inner shaft; the method furthercomprising, removing said conveyor roll assembly from the rotationmechanism, releasing said retaining means and removing a spent spoolelement, slidably mounting a new spool element over the first end ofsaid inner shaft until it engages said retaining end, and replacing saidretaining means.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the inner rollshaft is comprised of steel.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein theassembly includes a key and keyway extending at least partially throughthe inner roll shaft and spool to keep the spool aligned with the rollshaft while in operation.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the spoolincludes at least one peripheral recess providing a point of attachmentfor a snap ring.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein said outerrefractory surface is comprised of discs.
 20. The method of claim 15,wherein the retaining means comprises a threaded circumference on theinner roll shaft and a cooperative locking collar nut.
 21. A method forprocessing glass comprising: (i) providing a conveyor roll comprised ofan inner roll shaft having an elongated surface, a spool comprised ofsteel and having a body defining an interior passage sized toaccommodate said inner roll shaft, and a collar at a first end; aremovable insulated roll sleeve comprised of a refractory materialslidably mounted over at least a portion of said spool and abutting saidcollar, said insulated roll sleeve being held under compression on saidspool; and a releasable securing element retaining said spool on saidinner roll shaft; and (ii) disposing said conveyor roll in an oven andtransporting a ribbon of glass through said oven using said conveyorroll.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the collar abuts a platesecured to an end of the inner roll shaft.
 23. The method of claim 21,wherein the securing element comprises a locking unit threadedlyengaging the inner roll shaft.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein saidroll sleeve is held under compression between a combination of a lockingcollar and a snap ring, and the collar at the first end of the spool.25. The method of claim 21, wherein said insulated roll sleeve comprisesa ceramic material.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the said ceramicmaterial comprises one of silica and alumina.
 27. The method of claim25, wherein said ceramic material includes fibers of different lengthsin a mat form.
 28. The method of claim 21, wherein said elongatedsurface of the inner roll shaft is at least substantially cylindricaland wherein the body of said spool is at least substantially cylindricaland wherein the interior passage of said body is at least substantiallycylindrical.